Introduction
Song Introduction: “I’ll Remember You” – Elvis Presley (Aloha from Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)
“I’ll Remember You” is a poignant ballad that Elvis Presley performed during his historic Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert on January 14, 1973. This concert was a groundbreaking moment in music history, as it was the first live concert broadcast globally via satellite, reaching over 1 billion viewers across 40 countries. Held at the Honolulu International Center (now the Neal S. Blaisdell Center), the performance showcased Elvis at a defining moment in his later career, blending his charisma with emotional depth.
The song itself was written by Kui Lee, a Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter, in the mid-1960s. It was a deeply personal piece, written while Lee was battling cancer, and it carried themes of love, farewell, and remembrance. Elvis recorded a studio version of “I’ll Remember You” in 1966, shortly after Lee’s passing. The song had already gained significance in Hawaii, and Elvis, who had a deep affection for the islands, included it as a tribute to Lee and to the Hawaiian people.
During the 1973 Aloha concert, Elvis dedicated his live performance of “I’ll Remember You” as part of a charity event — all proceeds from the show went to the Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu. Dressed in his iconic white jumpsuit adorned with an American eagle, Elvis delivered a heartfelt rendition that remains one of his most touching performances.
“I’ll Remember You” stands as a symbol of Elvis’s connection to Hawaii, his respect for its culture, and his ability to convey raw emotion through song. The performance captures the King of Rock and Roll not just as a global superstar, but as an artist paying tribute, remembering, and giving back.